Vidisha, June 6 (AHN) Union Agriculture Minister and Vidisha MP Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said cancer patients from Vidisha and surrounding districts would no longer have to travel to cities such as Mumbai for treatment as Madhya Pradesh moves to strengthen oncology care at the district level.

Speaking after inaugurating a three-day Cancer Screening and Treatment Camp at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College in Vidisha, Chouhan said the state was working to bring cancer diagnosis, consultation, and treatment facilities closer to patients through collaboration with leading institutions, including Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.

“Timely diagnosis and treatment can save countless lives. The objective is to ensure that patients receive quality cancer care near their homes and are spared the financial and emotional burden of travelling long distances,” Chouhan said.

The Union Minister described the camp as a major public service initiative and said the proposed cancer unit at Vidisha Medical College, supported by Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, would significantly improve access to specialised treatment in the region.

Highlighting preventive healthcare, Chouhan urged people to stay away from tobacco, gutka, cigarettes, and other intoxicants, which are among the leading causes of cancer. He also advocated natural and organic farming practices and the judicious use of chemical fertilisers.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who attended the event, announced that cancer treatment infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh would be upgraded with support from the Tata Memorial Trust. He said early detection remains the most effective weapon against the disease.

“Cancer can be treated more effectively when detected in its initial stages. Awareness and regular screening are essential to reducing mortality and improving outcomes,” Shukla, who is heading Public Health and Medical Education of the Madhya Pradesh government, said.

He said the state government is implementing a cervical cancer vaccination programme for girls aged 13–14 years and running awareness campaigns focused on cancer prevention and early diagnosis.

Shukla further announced that government medical colleges established before 2003 would be equipped with modern cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities. In the next phase, advanced oncology services would also be developed at Vidisha and Sagar medical colleges.

A large number of patients attended the camp, where specialist consultations, screening, and treatment-related services were made available under one roof. Chouhan also interacted with patients and assured them of all possible support in accessing treatment and diagnostic facilities.